Life, 1903-02-12 · page 3 of 22
Life — February 12, 1903 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The main cartoon depicts figures following a leader off a cliff into danger, labeled "The Game of 'Follow the Leader.'" This is classic satirical commentary on blind political allegiance and the dangers of uncritical followership. The page includes three separate pieces: "A Refutation" addressing Mr. Gibson's departure from *The Ladies' Home Journal*, "A Prophecy" (verse warning of consequences), and "The Fountain of Youth" (unrelated). The refutation defends *Life* magazine's editorial position against Gibson's exit, suggesting editorial disagreement between the publications. The verse "A Prophecy" uses snake imagery and colonial/imperial references (mentions of jungle, mountains, the "Kiss of the Snake"), likely criticizing British imperial ventures or specific 19th-century colonial policies. The satirical point: leaders blindly following dangerous paths endanger their followers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Copyright. 1901, wy Life. A Refutation. S a report seems to be tour- ing the country to the NS effect that Mr. Gibson has departed this Lire, and is mixed up with The Ladies’ Home Journal, we hasten to correct a statement reflect- ing so injuriously upon a close personal friend of tk journal, Mr. Gibson has no agreement with The Ladies’ Home Journal. His work will appear only in Collier's Weekly and Lire. ‘TSE in of Youth lies in miling eyes of our chil- THe Gaxe or ** woTHE LEADER. A Prophecy. a {avixe commented with ¢ istic amiabilit upon England's alliance with Ger- Mr. Rudyard Kipling may be ex- t almost any moment now toeapress his views on the reference of the Venezuela matter to arbitration, It is no violation of confidence or copyright to suggest that these will take form somewhat as follows : in his poe! Rower man pected Tur Kiss or tun Sxa Ye have forced a way through the jungle, Ye have hewed a path through the wood : With bluster and blunder and bungle Mave ye wrought for ill or good! Ye have hammered flat the mountains, Fen have ye drained and lake— Ye are Nor of Man nor ¢ Beware the Caress of the Suake! ared, ye boast, Desert and forest und mountain Have ye handled for right or wrong— Have moved the river and fountain To ways they shall follow long : With hammer and sword and ploughshare Ye have made Mother Earth to ache : Ye have riven her breast at Unrest— But beware the Fang of the Snake ! I have piped, ye have danced : the worl trembled At the sound of your moving feet : And Nation: sembled Raise Ye will never ma No aid will yen If ye but take heed— Beware of the Kiss of the Snake ! KG. Butler, comicbooks.com